A Comprehensive Guide to Kratom Strains and their key differences

With dozens of kratom strains on the market, the names can be confusing. This guide explains what kratom strains are, how the three main vein colors differ, and how to choose between them.

What Are Kratom Strains?

Kratom strains are varieties of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, named for two things: the color of the leaf's central vein at harvest, and the region where the trees grow or where the strain was traded. Red Bali, for example, is red vein leaf associated with Bali. Some names describe a growing method instead: Maeng Da refers to kratom selectively grown from carefully chosen trees.

Like all kratom, every strain contains natural alkaloids, with mitragynine the most abundant. The balance of alkaloids differs with the leaf's maturity, the growing region and how the leaf is dried.

The Three Main Vein Colors

Red Vein Kratom

Red vein kratom comes from the most mature leaves and gives a deeper colored powder. It is the most popular vein color, and many customers keep it for the evening. Popular red strains include Red Bali, Red Borneo, Red Maeng Da, Red Thai and Red Dragon.

Green Vein Kratom

Green vein kratom is harvested at a middle stage, between white and red. Many customers see it as a versatile, middle-of-the-spectrum choice for daytime. Popular green strains include Green Malay, Green Bali and Green Maeng Da.

White Vein Kratom

White vein kratom is harvested young, with pale veins and a lighter powder. Many customers choose it for daytime. Popular white strains include White Borneo, White Elephant and White Hulu Kapuas.

Yellow and Gold Kratom

Yellow and gold kratom are usually made with a special drying process or a blend of vein colors. They are less common than red, green and white. We carry Yellow Borneo, Yellow Vietnam and Gold Bali; see the full yellow kratom collection.

Choosing a Kratom Strain

Effects vary from person to person, and research on kratom is still limited, so there is no single best strain. These questions help narrow it down:

1. When will you use it? Customers usually choose white and green strains for daytime and red strains for the evening.

2. Are you new to kratom? Start with one regular leaf strain, such as Green Bali or Red Bali, rather than an extract or enhanced product.

3. Do you want variety? Trainwreck kratom blends red, green and white vein strains in one product.

4. Powder or capsules? Powder is the most traditional and affordable; capsules are pre-measured and taste-free.

Compare every strain side by side on our kratom strain chart.

Red Vein vs Green Vein Kratom

Red and green are the two most popular vein colors. Red vein comes from the most mature leaves and is usually chosen for the evening. Green vein is harvested earlier and is usually chosen for daytime. Many customers keep one of each, or rotate strains to avoid building tolerance.

Using Kratom Responsibly

Kratom is not without risks. Some people experience nausea, constipation, dizziness or dry mouth, and regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence. Always follow the serving information on the label and do not exceed it. Do not mix kratom with alcohol, medications or other substances, and do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor first if you take medication or have a health condition.

For independent information on kratom's safety, see the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Kratom is legal federally but banned in some states and cities, so check our 2026 state-by-state kratom legal guide before ordering.

For adults 21 and over only. Kratom is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

For more info see cbdkratomconnection.com